Everton manager Sam Allardyce has praised "brave" James McCarthy for the defensive work that resulted in him suffering a horrific injury during the side's 1-1 home draw with West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.
The Republic of Ireland international was stretchered off early in the second half when he was involved in an accidental collision with Salomon Rondon while attempting to block the Baggies striker's effort on goal.
The Toffees later confirmed that McCarthy had suffered a double leg break in the incident, which left Rondon in tears.
"It's a double-fracture, tibia and fibula," Allardyce told reporters after the game. "We'll do [the operation] as quick as we can, that very much depends on what the specialist or surgeon says.
"His tibia and fibula have been broken from his really brave efforts to stop West Brom with a possible scoring opportunity. He's paid a heavy price for his commitment there.
"Obviously it's a big blow for him and us, because he's had so many games missed recently with not so serious [injuries] which we thought we had overcome, and certainly had overcome over the last few weeks.
"Now this is one serious injury which we know will keep him out until next season at some stage, that's a big blow."
McCarthy was featuring in only his fourth league game for the Merseyside club this season.
Neil Wilkes
